First Fishless Cycle Going Swimmingly!

[Merchantwu]

I've been reading the post here for a few weeks and you guys convinced me to get a betta instead of goldfish. This will be my first fish and is my first tank cycle.

I just wanted to let anyone out there who was hesitant about fishless cycling know that it isn't that difficult and my cycle is going rather quickly. I've had my set up for 6 days now and tonight, just 10 mins ago, I saw my first dip in ammonia and my first increase of nitrites! It sounds silly but when I saw the nitrite color change in the test tube I got giddy!

Here are a few details about my tank for those who like details:

5 gal hex
Marineland filter w/bio wheel (35 gal per hr) came with tank
25 watt heater
80 degree
Live plants: 4 x Corkscrew Valls, 1 x Anubias nana, and some Water Lettuce
Ph 7.2
Using NovAqua + to condition
No salt added because of the plants
And no fish... yet!

I didn't use bottled bacteria to start it off, but I did keep the planting material around the roots of my Anubias for a few days. I don't know if that made a big difference, but it sounded like a good idea.

So yeah, playing with the test kits is fun, it's good for your fish, it doesn't have to take forever, there is no reason not to cycle.

[Rohland]

Because you have plants it would be safe to add a fish.
Especially since its only going to be one betta.

[Merchantwu]

Do you think so?

It's tempting, but I also kinda want to see how long this process takes. Nerdy curiosity just may be enough to keep me from the LFS.

[dramaqueen]

Hello and welcome to FishForum.

[ChristinaRoss]

it will be good to add some salt for the betta, its never hurt any of my plants

research your types of plants, they will probably be ok too with salt

[giypsy]

Originally Posted by Merchantwu

Nerdy curiosity just may be enough to keep me from the LFS.

Yeah, me too. I'm already wanting a rack for my tubes, documenting chem levels, researching specimen plants, tank mates, dispensing sourced advise, blah, blah, blah.

I have a request; may we change that nerdy to Geeky? Somehow Geek always seems more about expertise and nerdy sounds more like social-maladjustment. Just a geeky sort of thought (GIT)>GH, @GS.

[Merchantwu]

Dramaqueen - Thanks! It's a nice place you guys have here.

ChristinaRoss - So, you have live plants in your tanks? I've read people add salt anywhere from 1 tsp per gal to a few grains per 10 gal tank. What proportion do you use? I've done a bit of research on my specific plants and have found them listed as very hardy, but then I read on Seachem's site that salt was just NOT appropriate for a planted tank. I've been conservative and not added any so far but I also know it is helpful for the fish, I'd like to hear more about your experience.

giypsy - Agreed and so moved! "Geeky" to replace "Nerdy" =) I'm so glad I'm not the only one. Not that I was too worried, I liked this forum because it seemed that the users trended in that geeky direction. ;)

[Jupiter]

Sounds great! :)

I'd say I'm more of a nerd than a geek, lol.

[ChristinaRoss]

yes i always add salt to my tanks.

i keep the ration to 1tsp per gallon, never had any problems with it. my plants are thriving, but i also use seachems Fluorish plant fertilizer as well.

and dont forget to add the salt back for whatever amount you change the water every week.
salt never evaporates, so only add salt for the amount of water your changing

[CodeRed]

To add to it, I'm a dork, I suppose. xD A geeky dork? Maybe.